10-QPeriod: Q3 FY2012

CATERPILLAR INC Quarterly Report for Q3 Ended Sep 30, 2012

Filed November 2, 2012For Securities:CAT

Summary

Caterpillar Inc. (CAT) reported robust financial results for the third quarter and first nine months of 2012, demonstrating significant year-over-year growth. Sales and revenues reached an all-time third-quarter record of $16.445 billion, a 5% increase compared to the same period in 2011. This growth was driven by improved sales volume and favorable price realization across its Machinery and Power Systems segment, particularly in Resource Industries, which saw a 13% sales increase. Profit per share also saw a substantial 49% increase in the third quarter to $2.54. The company also highlighted a strong liquidity position with consolidated cash of $5.7 billion at the end of the third quarter. A notable event during the quarter was the sale of a majority interest in Caterpillar's third-party logistics business, which contributed a pre-tax gain of $273 million to the company's earnings. For the first nine months of 2012, total sales and revenues increased by 16% to $49.800 billion, with operating profit growing by 45% to $7.535 billion. This strong performance reflects the successful integration of acquisitions, notably Bucyrus International, and ongoing demand for its products, particularly in mining and power systems. Despite some challenges like dealer inventory adjustments and a slowdown in new orders in certain segments, Caterpillar's strategic positioning and operational execution delivered impressive financial outcomes for the period.

Financial Highlights

47 data points
Beta

Revenue

$16.45B

24.9% Gross Margin

Net Income

$1.70B

10.3% Net Margin

EPS (Diluted)

$2.54

Total Assets

$90.54B

Free Cash Flow

$1.24B

Financial Statements
Beta
Revenue$16.45B
Cost of Revenue$11.64B
Gross Profit$4.10B
R&D Expenses$634.00M
SG&A Expenses$1.47B
Operating Expenses$13.85B
Operating Income$2.60B
Net Income$1.70B
EPS (Basic)$2.60
EPS (Diluted)$2.54
Shares Outstanding (Basic)653.60M
Shares Outstanding (Diluted)668.70M

Key Highlights

  • 1Record third-quarter sales and revenues of $16.445 billion, up 5% year-over-year.
  • 2Third-quarter profit per share of $2.54, up 49% year-over-year.
  • 3Nine-month sales and revenues increased 16% to $49.800 billion.
  • 4Nine-month operating profit increased 45% to $7.535 billion.
  • 5Significant gain of $273 million (pre-tax) from the sale of a majority interest in the third-party logistics business.
  • 6Strong consolidated cash position of $5.7 billion at quarter-end.
  • 7Debt-to-capital ratio for Machinery and Power Systems improved to 38.0%.

Frequently Asked Questions

Caterpillar reported record third-quarter sales and revenues of $16.445 billion, representing a 5% increase from $15.716 billion in the third quarter of 2011. This growth was primarily driven by higher sales volume and improved price realization, with the Resource Industries segment showing particularly strong performance.

The acquisition of Bucyrus International, completed in July 2011, continued to contribute positively to sales and profit in the third quarter of 2012. Additionally, the sale of a majority interest in Caterpillar's third-party logistics business in the third quarter of 2012 resulted in a pre-tax gain of $273 million, boosting overall earnings.

Caterpillar maintained a strong financial position and liquidity. Consolidated cash and short-term investments stood at $5.7 billion at the end of the third quarter of 2012. The Machinery and Power Systems debt-to-capital ratio improved to 38.0%, reflecting disciplined financial management.

Profitability was driven by higher sales volume across key segments, improved price realization, and the favorable impact of acquisitions and divestitures. While operating costs, including manufacturing costs and SG&A/R&D expenses, increased, these were partially offset by lower incentive compensation expense and the gain from the logistics business divestiture.